Initiative and Referendum: LetBamavote.org

• Direct Initiative -- Qualified proposals go directly to the people
• Indirect Initiative – Qualified initiatives go thru legislature.
• Popular referendum – a citizen generated process to accept or reject legislative measures.
• Legislative Referendum – when the legislature places measures on the ballot for citizens’ vote.

Mike Ball’s Initiative and Referendum bill

• Signatures: Popular referendum CA and initiative signatures based on voters in last gubernatorial race 1.3% and 1% respectively.
• Initiative to recall of legislative action
• $1000 filing fee
• Substantially similar petitions and voter rolls
• Registered agent “shall” be consulted for ballot title and summary
• Election day signature collection & circulators.
• No special elections specifically for initiative.
• Alternate amendments (Legislature can create an alternative bill)

Why I & R in Alabama

• In 2000 Portrait of America research showed 57% of Alabamians were in favor of statewide I & R while 18% were opposed.
• Pulse opinion research in 2010 of 500 Alabama registered voters 71% favored I&R.
• Chart from Pulse opinion research.

How I &R will benefit Alabama

• Term limits
• Taxes
• Education Reform
• Election Reform – Ballot access
• Gaming
• Recall
• Environmental reform
• Utility Regulation
• Bonds

In closing:

• I & R is the only means of opening out government to “we the people”.
• I & R will not do anything our legislative body is not already doing.
• There should be no fear of I & R – embrace it.